Week In Westminster: w/c 15th June
- Jun 19
- 2 min read
The Government kicked off this week with a landmark announcement on children's safety online. The new measures would see under-16s banned from the most harmful social media platforms. This has been a long time coming, and I know it matters deeply to parents across Ossett and Denby Dale, who have told me time and again how worried they are about what their children see online and who they're talking to.
The ban will cover platforms like Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook and X, with a vote expected by the end of this year and the ban coming into force in early 2027.
Alongside it, livestreaming for under-16s will be banned across all platforms, as will the ability for strangers to contact children, including in online gaming. Britain will also become the first country in the world to ban chatbots that offer sexualised content to under-18s.
Elsewhere on Monday, the Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis gave a statement to the Commons regarding the boarding and seizure of a Russian oil tanker in the Channel. I know there has been much conversation about Defence spending this week, and it'll be a continued point of discussion as the Government prepares to publish its strategic Defence Investment Plan. The action supports broader efforts to stop Putin funding his illegal war in Ukraine through sanctioned oil, and is a reminder of Britain's role in European defence more broadly.
Elsewhere, the Government also pressed the regulator on the troubled Thames Water situation. It is a reminder of why our Clean Water Bill, creating one strong regulator, can't come soon enough.
On Wednesday, I was delighted to join fellow MPs to watch England’s match against Croatia - here's hoping for plenty more nights like that one this summer.
I also wanted to offer my congratulations to Andy Burnham following his Makerfield by-election win. I look forward to seeing him in Parliament fighting for the issues that matter to Northern communities like ours.
Today in the constituency, I'll be meeting with our local Integrated Care Board and Health and Care Partnership to discuss healthcare provision across Ossett and Denby Dale. Dentistry in particular continues to be a real concern I hear about from residents, and I'll be pushing hard on this point.
On Saturday, I'm hosting a residents' coffee morning. Tickets have already sold out, but don't worry if you missed out — keep an eye out, as another one will be coming soon! As always, do get in touch if there's anything I can help with. |
